That following morning all was quiet in a certain neighbourhood household. Well, almost...
"Eggman's robots! Open fire!" roared a suddenly angry robot.
Missiles launched. While the robot, Omega fired as many explosives to his heart's delight, Rouge the Bat groaned. She held her head while burying her face into the table.
Shadow didn't even say a word. He entered the living room and headed for the door. Rouge peeked at him and said, "Hold on, Shadow! You can't leave me like this."
The hedgehog glanced at her next to the half-open doorway. Rouge gestured to the crazy robot and commented, "Ever since that new upgrade, Omega has been experiencing dreams. One of which has him thinking he was at Eggman's base. Problem is, he can't tell the difference between dreaming and reality."
Shadow replied, "Why was such an upgrade really necessary? It's more trouble than it's worth."
"The GUN scientists explained that it works like a screen saver for a computer and is supposed to help him charge more energy."
The hedgehog rolled his eyes but had to duck one of the explosives. Grumbling, he rolled into a ball and headed for the robot. Rouge looked at her phone and smiled.
She looked at Shadow, who was finished with Omega. Shadow noticed the look on her face and she said, "Oh Shadow, would you mind doing something for me?"
"Possibly..."
"Wow, Shadow...you really know how to treat a lady."
"What is it?"
She chuckled and explained, "Seems like Amy is in need of a hand."
"And?"
"She needs someone with a lot of muscle."
Shadow looked concerned and said, "I'm on my way." He teleported out of the house.
Amy was roaming the sidewalk, humming to herself. She told herself, "Okay, today's the day I go ask someone to help me shop. Hmm...who though?"
Cream was at school. Knuckles was all the way on his island which was a long way to travel. The Chaotix were out cracking a case. Rouge was possibly an option, but she hasn't answered any of her texts. And as for Sonic...well, ever since it was obvious that he was dating someone, that didn't really make him an option. Not to mention that she has come to view him more like a brother who was hard to get a hold of.
She bumped into something and fell onto her tail. Shadow was suddenly towering over her. Amy rubbed her tail and looked at him. He was looking at her as though he was surprised.
He said, "Rouge told me that you were here."
The girl brushed her dress and answered, "She did?"
For a brief moment, Shadow caught sight of the pink girl's green eyes. They stared at him inquisitively. As though she had something she intended to tell him.
She said, "Do you want to go shopping with me?"
"For what?" he asked.
In his uncomfortable stance, Amy was surprised that he didn't say 'no.' Then she realized, he must be thinking that I need groceries or other essentials. Still surprising coming from him though. And why is my heart racing?
She touched her heart as though to make it stop fluttering so much. But her cheeks were also red. Shadow looked curious and wondered if he has at all embarrassed his little friend.
He stepped forward and bent slightly forward as he asked, "Amy?"
His red eyes were filled with intense curiosity. The girl shook her head and she explained, "Sorry, I didn't get much sleep last night. Ah...yeah...shopping...I will need..."
She paused.
The male hedgehog commented, "You don't know?"
"Well, I uh," Amy answered as she thought Just tell him and get it over with. "I need some new clothes...and some company."
Shadow also turned slightly red and muttered, "I not fond of stores. Perhaps Rouge would rather do it."
Amy thought, I guess that's not too surprising considering how much Shadow hates those places.
As though he read her mind, Shadow added, "Although, if it's company you are after, I'll stick around for a little while."
There was a different look about his face and Amy felt as though she could read it for the first time. It wasn't anger or sorrow. It border-lined peace. But it was partially hidden behind his neutral expression.
Is he...happy to be with me? she wondered as they entered the park.